Make a dancing skeleton

This resource focusses on learners working out the names of the main bones within the human body and then using their knowledge of these bones to complete the activity.

In this project learners will learn about the movement of the bones in the human body. They will then make their own dancing skeleton from card. Finally, they will test their skeleton and observe how it works.

This activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach learners about human anatomy. It could also be used as part of a wider scheme of learning focussing on the human body, mechanisms and movements, or designing and making products within a Halloween-themed context, alongside other IET Halloween themed resources.

Activity: Making a dancing skeleton with movable arms and legs

Learners will make use of the theme of Halloween to learn all about the skeleton – what it is, it’s function and importance within the human body.

Tools/supplies needed:

• Scissors
• Card or cardboard
• Glue
• Paper fasteners
• String
• Drinking straws
• Tape
• Eraser or ball of sticky tack
• Optional: thin wood/bamboo skewers with the points removed

Extension

• Can you add linkages to make the body move differently? Or make more than one limb move at the same time?
• Can you make the arms and legs bend at the elbows and knees?

The Engineering Context

Understanding about how something works helps engineers understand how to improve it. It can also give inspiration for other products or objects.
Learning how the human body works and moves can help Engineers to transfer this into other objects, such as walking robots or prosthetic limbs.

Suggested learning outcomes

This resource combines Science, Design and Technology and Engineering, with the aim that the learners will be able to know what is meant by a skeleton, be able to name and locate major bones in the human body and be able to make a model of a skeleton using graphics materials.

Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources

All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.

The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

You can download our step-by-step instructions below as a classroom lesson plan and PowerPoint presentation.

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